Nun shocks Italy's 'The Voice': Rocks like 'No One' to the high heavens

Sister Cristina Scuccia, a Roman Catholic singing nun, performs Alicia Keys' 'No One' on 'The Voice of Italy,' shocking the audience and the judges and turning all four chairs.

Sister Cristina Scuccia, The Voice of Italy, YouTube

What could be more shocking than a 'Susan Boyle moment'? How about a rocking Roman Catholic singing nun during the blind auditions of Italian version of the hit reality singing competition "The Voice?" Not only was the sister act one that surprised anyone viewing the show and hearing her angelic voice singing Alicia Keys' "No One," but Sister Cristina Scuccia surprised all four judges on "The Voice Of Italy" as well, as was evidenced by every judge's widened eyes and dropped jaw as each one -- Italian artists Raffaella Carra, J-Ax, Noemi, and Piero Pelu -- turned around.

The Hollywood Reporter noted (via Yahoo Movies) March 21 that the good sister had gone viral, her performance an international viral video hit on YouTube. The clip captured Sister Cristina Scuccia ("Suor Cristina" in Italian) as she belted "No One" like nobody else, reaching for the heavens with as clear a voice as any rock or pop star could want. Unlike Sally Fields, this singing nun didn't have to worry about doubting whether she was liked or not. The love came roaring from the audience, erupting from the judges, and, later, burning up the Twitterverse.

When asked if she truly was a nun, the 24-year-old Sicilian said, "Yes, I am truly, truly a sister."

And she is. She's a member of the Ursuline Sisters of the Holy Family of the Roman Catholic Church. In fact, she traveled to the audition with four of her fellow sisters, who were quite the sight jumping around in the nun habits, silver crucifix necklaces a-bouncing.

Sister Cristina's parents were also in attendance, cheering her on.

Sister Cristina told the judges, "I came here because I have a gift and I want to share that gift. I am here to evangelize.”

Pope Francis, being possibly the hippest pope in history, will undoubtedly waste little time ringing up the singing nun, Sister Cristina.

So which judge did Sister Cristina choose for her mentor and coach for the competition? The Catholic News Agency reported that J-Ax received the nun's blessing, because, she said, "I told myself that if they turned around, I would choose the first one.”

J-Ax said he was thrilled to be chosen by the most popular contestant on "The Voice of Italy."

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Norman Byrd is a free lance writer whose work reflects his avid following and knowledge of the music, television, comedy, and film industries. A reinvented social sciences teacher, Norman has degrees in History, English, and Psychology and family in the music industry, all of which assists in lending him a unique perspective on the entertainment industry.